When I made my first Keyboard Race game, I really had no idea that it was going to be the first in a series of games for every season. I’ve always used the snowflake version for this time of year, but my students wanted a Christmas version, so I drew one for them. The elves are students in my studio and each one is special to me! I hope you enjoy the diversity of elves from around the globe!

Notice I have cards for F# and Bb. That has proved to be a bonus for my average age beginners, because they learn the terms and how to use them early on. However, I remove those cards for my youngest students. I like to teach new concepts informally like this, rather than waiting for it in the method book. There is no reason students can’t learn something before they actually play it in their music.

Objective

To quickly identify piano keys.

To enjoy a seasonal game.

To identify middle C.

Optional: to identify B flat and F sharp.

Ages

Beginners of all ages enjoy the keyboard race games, but with your older beginners, I suggest the Snowflake Keyboard Race.

Materials

Piano or a music keyboard

Keyboard Race Cards

Two tokens (Inexpensive erasers will not damage your keyboard.)

Directions

The game is played with two players, usually the teacher and student.

The teacher sits on the right side and the students sits on the left side of the piano bench, at each end of the piano. The students chooses if he/she wants to play with the “Elves” or “Reindeer” cards.

Each player has one set of cards and one token, and places the cards on the piano book rack. The cards should be well shuffled.

The first player turns a card and moves his token to that piano key, the closest to his end of the piano. The second player does the same.

Play continues with each player drawing a card and moving his token toward the middle of the keyboard.

The game is over when one player passes the middle of the keyboard. I like to use middle C with my young students.

Note: The player on the right side (treble end) usually loses, so that’s where I sit. Games are more fun for students if they win.